Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, February 7.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Hornets ML (-124 – 1.5 units) vs. Hawks
Hornets at Hawks – 7:30 pm ET
The Hornets are going to have to lose eventually, but I don’t think the winning streak will end this evening. Charlotte comes into this one having won eight games in a row, and the team is 14-1 with the starting five of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. Well, that starting five will be out there tonight, and the group will be going up against a below-average Atlanta team.
Over the last 15 games, the Hornets are 11-4 with a net rating of +11.7. That’s the best net rating in basketball over the stretch, and Charlotte has been the best offensive team in the league. Well, over the last 15 games, Atlanta is 9-6 with a net rating of +0.6. That’s not awful, but there is a big gap between the two.
It’s just hard not to feel like the Hornets have advantages all throughout the rotation here, with Jalen Johnson being the one main exception. I’ll also note that the Hornets are 7-4 both straight-up and against the spread when playing road games with spreads of +3 to -3 under Charles Lee. Meanwhile, under Quin Snyder, the Hawks are only 17-22 SU and 14-24-1 ATS at home in games with lines of +3 to -3.
Cavaliers -11.5 (-110) vs. Kings
Cavaliers at Kings – 10:00 pm ET
I normally don’t like laying double digits, but the Cavaliers haven’t played since Wednesday. Meanwhile, this is a third game in four nights for the Kings, and it’s also the second leg of a back-to-back. This also seems like it’s going to be the debut of James Harden, meaning Cleveland will have quite a bit of juice in this one. I expect the Cavaliers to look quite strong right away with Harden in the mix, and I’ll also add that the Kings appear to be launching a bit of a youth movement. There has been some talk of head coach Doug Christie riding younger lineups late in games, and we saw that against the Clippers last night. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Russell Westbrook all played 20 or fewer minutes, giving way to the bench pieces later on. Well, if we see that tonight, that could give Cleveland the opportunity to run away with this game.
The Cavaliers are also 12-7 ATS when playing with two days of rest under Kenny Atkinson. Meanwhile, the Kings are 4-14 ATS when playing on back-to-back days under Christie.
NBA Player Props Today
Nolan Traore Over 10.5 Points (-105) & Alt Points 15+ (+285 – 0.25 units) vs. Wizards
Wizards at Nets – 3:00 pm ET
Traore is starting to get some good minutes for Brooklyn, and he responded with a 21-point performance against Orlando last game. I don’t think the talented guard is going to light it up like that every night, but I do anticipate we’ll see some solid games in the near future. Today’s game could be one of them.
The Wizards are one of the worst defenses in the league when it comes to defending catch-and-shoot jumpers, so Traore could get some clean looks from deep. Well, he went 3 for 7 from 3 last game, so he can knock down the open ones. Washington is also 28th in the NBA defending at the rim, where Traore scores 27% of his points. He’s lightning quick with the ball in his hands, so I imagine he’ll get himself into the paint quite a bit here. The Wizards are also weak in transition, where Traore’s speed could be a strength again.
I’m playing Traore to score 11 or more today. I’m also putting a little something on 15+, as I think it’s a possibility in a strong matchup.
Cooper Flagg Over 24.5 Points (-120) vs. Spurs
Mavericks at Spurs – 6:00 pm ET
Flagg has been on an absolute tear lately, averaging 37.8 points per game over the last four games. His usage rate over the last four contests is an outrageous 33.8%, and I’m not sure that number is going to drop too much. That said, I think another 25-point performance could be coming.
Flagg actually just had 32 points against this Spurs defense, showing that he wasn’t bothered by San Antonio’s physicality and length. With that in mind, this total seems a bit low considering what the rookie is capable of doing. He’s an absolute star. Look for his pull-up shooting to be difference-maker here. The Spurs might be great defensively, but they’re 30th in the NBA defending pull-up jumpers. Flagg scores 28% of his points on those, and they have become a staple in his offensive game. San Antonio is also a bottom-10 team guarding pick-and-roll ball handlers, and Flagg scores 5.2 points per game in those actions.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Magic ML vs. Jazz & Suns Alt +7.5 vs. 76ers (-112 – 1.5 units)
2025-26 NBA Record: 326-310 (+3.56 units)
